Manager Legal - Operations

OQ Exploration & Production; Muscat; On-site; OMR 38,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading oil and gas company is seeking a Manager Legal - Operations to lead and manage the legal operations function. The successful candidate will provide high-quality legal advice, ensure compliance, and lead a team of legal professionals in Muscat, Oman. A graduate degree in law and substantial experience in the energy sector are required, along with strong leadership and negotiation skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8+ years of legal experience, including senior roles in oil & gas or energy sector.
• Strong background in upstream contracts and corporate governance.
• Fluent in English; Arabic skills are an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on operational matters across upstream functions.
• Manage the Legal Operations team and oversee contract negotiations.
• Ensure compliance with laws and internal policies.

Skills

Strategic and analytical thinking

Strong business acumen

Exceptional drafting skills

Negotiation skills

Leadership skills

Excellent communication skills

Education

Graduate degree in law

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Job title: Manager Legal - Operations

Function: Legal Operations

Location: Muscat - Oman

Budget control

*OPEX and/or CAPEX and/or Revenue amount as relevant*

Reporting to

Vice President-Legal

Direct reports

• Lead Counsel (2)
• Senior Specialist legal Counsel (1)

Job purpose

Lead and manage the legal operations function to support OQ Exploration and Production SAOG (“OQEP”) core business and operational activities, under the direction of the VP Legal. Key responsibilities include:

1. Providing high-quality, business-focused legal advice across all operational functions, including technical, commercial, HSE, supply chain, and project delivery.
2. Ensuring legal and regulatory compliance by developing and overseeing effective legal processes, governance frameworks, and risk controls aligned with OQEP’s operations.
3. Managing legal support for contracts, regulatory engagements, compliance programs, and stakeholder relationships to ensure operational continuity and protect company interests.
4. Leading and developing a team of legal professionals and coordinating with external counsel to deliver responsive, proactive, and integrated legal support across the business.

The position operates in alignment with OQEP’s Mission, Vision, Values, and Strategies, as well as company policies, guidelines, and international standards. This includes adherence to IT platforms, HSE standards, Omani government requirements, and best international practices in support of national objectives.

Main tasks and responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and support on operational matters across upstream functions including technical, commercial, supply chain, HSE, and project delivery.
• Manage the Legal Operations team and
• Draft, review, and negotiate operational contracts such as EPC, drilling, maintenance, service agreements, and logistics.
• Advise on legal issues related to operational risks, business continuity, contractor performance, and regulatory compliance.
• Develop and implement governance frameworks, policies, and controls to ensure compliance with laws and internal standards.
• Support audits, investigations, and risk assessments including anti-bribery, HSE, and environmental regulation.
• Monitor regulatory changes and advise stakeholders on implications and required actions.
• Act as legal interface with contractors, vendors, and regulators.
• Provide legal input to tendering, procurement, contract negotiations, claims, and dispute management.
• Design and improve legal workflows, documentation standards, and reporting processes.
• Implement legal risk registers, contract lifecycle tracking, and compliance dashboards.
• Lead and develop legal staff, providing mentorship and performance oversight.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure integrated legal support.
• Manage external counsel for specialized matters, ensuring value and quality.
• Report key legal risks and compliance status to VP Legal and relevant committees.
• Contribute to business reviews, operational assurance forums, and project gate reviews.
• Perform other tasks as directed by VP Legal or senior leadership.

Key interactions

Internal: Operation functions under OQEP.

External: Contractors, Vendors & Suppliers, MEM, JV Partners and Governmental authorities.

Notable Working Conditions.
Office environment, intensive computer screen use, sporadic visits to operation site.

Education requirements

Minimum qualification required is a graduate degree in law, Master or any other qualification is a plus.

Language

Excellent knowledge of written, read, and spoken English (required)

Background and experience

• Minimum 8+ years of legal experience, including years in senior legal roles within the oil & gas or broader energy sector.
• Strong background in upstream oil & gas contracts, corporate governance, compliance, and dispute resolution.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in managing teams and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Fluent in English; Arabic language skills are an advantage.

Competencies and skills

Soft Skills:

• Strategic and analytical thinker with strong business acumen.
• Exceptional drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• High integrity, sound judgment, and resilience under pressure.
• Ability to balance legal risks with commercial objectives.

Technical Competencies:

• Computer literacy including MS Office
• Ability to balance legal and commercial objectives and build strong stakeholder relationships.
• Strong understanding of the Upstream industry and its commercial drivers.
• Conduct legal negotiation.